Chapter 1: The box!

Atemu was taking a break from his shift at the Kame Game Shop. Yuugi was covering for him. It wasn't busy. Atemu was quite happy to take his break and eat in the shop, but Yuugi insisted that he really relax. It's no fun trying to eat when customers could walk in at any moment. Nope. Yuugi was making sure Atemu took a proper break and enjoyed his meal.

Yuugi walked around the small store making tiny notes on his clip board. He then went to the backroom and took a large empty box and began filling it with various toys and games, in order to fully re-stock the shelves. He dragged the box to the shop and began putting the various items in their designated places. Very soon, he found himself thinking about Atemu.

He and Atemu were very close and were often teased about being a couple. They had a great bond and sometimes Yuugi found himself wanting more. More often that not, he found himself watching Atemu. The leather didn't help. It made Atemu look delicious and Yuugi exercised great control not to jump Atemu on a few occasions. Late at night, his mind drifted to Atemu frequently, leaving him instantly hard as a rock. He wondered absentmindedly, if Atemu had the same problem.

The shop bell rang before he had a chance to finish his thought. He looked up.

"We're open" he answered.

The person however did not enter the shop, but they rang the bell again more urgently. Yuugi frowned and he went to the door. He could see the shadow of a person bend down and then straighten up. His hand was on the door when the shadow abruptly disappeared around the alley corner. Yuugi threw the door open and went outside looking for the person, but almost tripped over something on the doorstep. He looked down and saw a large shoe box.

The sound of tiny cries and squeals reached his ears as he bent down. A feeling of curiosity and dread washed over Yuugi. He lifted the box and found it was slightly heavy. He could see the edge of a white fluffy towel peeking out at one corner and the feeling of dread increased. He closed the door and took the box to the counter. He began removing the lid and the squeals got louder. Looking inside he saw a red card and the white towel and he tentatively pushed it away. He gasped and his hands flew to his mouth in dismay and shock. Tears welled up in his eyes.

The box contained four tiny newborn kittens.

"Atemu!" cried Yuugi, in a choked voice. Yuugi couldn't believe that someone would leave kittens on a doorstep like that. Atemu came promptly at the sound of his lights distressed call. He saw the tears in Yuugi's eyes and immediately drew him in his arms.

"Yuugi, what's wrong?" he asked quietly, he couldn't bear to see his light in tears.

"The box…"Yuugi managed to choke out. Atemu looked around and saw the box on the counter.

Yuugi cried softly onto Atemu's chest. Atemu held Yuugi tightly and rubbed small circles on the small of his back. Yuugi calmed down considerably as he breathed in the scent of his beloved dark. When Yuugi was ready he drew away from Atemu and looked tearfully at the box. Atemu eyed the box wondering what could have unsettled his light. He became puzzled at the tiny cries and he lifted a corner of the towel and spied the babies underneath.

He seethed with rage. Cats were among his favorite creatures and to see four helpless kittens, squealing for their mother was a sin. He made sure that they were once again well wrapped and rubbed Yuugi's arm comfortingly. He picked up the card and the box carefully and brought them inside where Solomon was reading the newspaper. He looked up as the two came in.

"Everything okay boys?" he asked.

He had been surprised by Yuugi's cry and assumed that it was between the two and decided not to involve himself. He had a sneaky feeling that something was developing between the two but he said nothing. Atemu pushed the remnants of his dinner to the left of the table and laid the box carefully down on the glass surface. Solomon looked at Atemu expectantly. He had noticed the look of anger and the passing glances between him and his grandson. What was going on? Atemu handed him the card and opened the box.

Atemu removed the towel and allowed Solomon to see the kittens. The four of them were huddled up together seeking warmth. Their tiny paws were moving, feeling around for their mother. Their eyes were sealed and their ears were flat. They had cute little black noses, tails, paws and ears, along with a beautiful creamy coat. Their tiny cries made tears well up in Yuugi's eyes again. Atemu soothed him quietly and looked at Solomon for advice.

"Hmm, let me see…" Solomon said, speaking to the room in general. He took out the card and read it aloud.

"Dear Yuugi." He read. "I'm so sorry for doing this. Two days ago, my Siamese cat had a litter of eight kittens. The first day, she was fine, but then she had difficulty looking after them all. My mother said it was a good idea to half the litter and bring them to a rescue center. I rang the rescue center and they had no more room, so I panicked. I know you from school and I know how sweet and kind you are. I know you will do the right thing. They just finished suckling from their mother and they fell asleep. Then I put them in this box. They should be fine until they wake up. Please look after them and I'm really so sorry. Anonymous." Solomon finished. Yuugi and Atemu felt a tiny bit better knowing that they weren't hungry.

Solomon reached out and ran a finger along the first kitten. His coat wasn't wet or cold, so he took it as a good sign. He repeated this for each kitten. He replaced the towel firmly tucking it in and put the lid back on. A grim look settled on his face and he gave Yuugi a small smile.

"Come now Yuugi, you can't help them like that. They need someone strong and loving. We're going to the vet, come on now." He gave the box to Yuugi, who carried it carefully like precious glass. He handed Atemu the car keys and Atemu ushered Yuugi to the car. Solomon turned of the till and closed the shop. It was only four, so it was okay. He got in to the passenger seat in the front and watched Yuugi getting into the back seat, with a worried look on his face. Atemu started up the car and set off, with Solomon's instructions. On the way, Yuugi relayed the complete story to Atemu and his grandfather, leaving nothing out


After ten minutes, they arrived outside a relatively small and well kept veterinarian clinic. Atemu went inside first with Yuugi and the kittens. Solomon held the card and followed them. Inside was nice and warm. The general sounds of animals greeted them. An elderly woman with a small fluffy dog sat in the corner nearest the blue examination doors, indicting she was next in line.

Next, sat a teenage girl, protectively holding a large pet carrier with two rabbits inside. Lastly a mother and a little girl sat with a large black Labrador. He was friendly and he licked Atemu hand affectionately. Atemu smiled and patted him on the head. Yuugi looked warily at the dog as if he was going to harm the kittens.

Atemu noticed. "Don't worry hikari; he won't come near the kittens. He's fine." He patted the dog again. Yuugi nodded and smiled as Atemu wrapped one arm around his waist. Yuugi leaned into Atemu and relaxed. Solomon smiled. Atemu really was the best person for Yuugi; both of them were a little blind. Atemu got talking to the woman with the Labrador, explaining all about his antics. Solomon registered them in the list.

After a while, Yuugi started to get agitated. He peeked inside at the kittens a lot, making sure they were okay. Atemu smiled. He never knew Yuugi was the motherly type. Then a man with a boy and a hamster came out of the examination room. The vet came out and called in the next patient and the nurse called for the girl with the rabbits. Now they were alone with the kittens and the Labrador. Atemu got curious.

"What's his name?" he asked the woman. The dog lapped up all the attention. The woman laughed at his antics.

"His name is Malcolm, he's such a handful. He's here to get wormed and protected against little things like that. Don't worry, we won't take long. What's with you?" She looked at the box in Yuugi's hands. Atemu squeezed Yuugi's hand briefly.

"Someone put four kittens on our doorstep. They're two days old." The woman looked shocked. The little girl tugged at her mother's sleeve.

"Mommy, can I see the kittens?" her eyes were big and pleading. The mother shook her head and answered.

"No honey. They're too small." The girl wasn't deterred. "Please mommy, I won't touch them. Please?" Atemu chuckled, but Yuugi spoke.

"Little girl? Look…" he lifted the lid and revealed the four tiny kittens. They were sleeping soundly, cuddled up against each other. The little girl said 'aw' with a big smile on her face.

The girl with the rabbits emerged from the nurse's room after having their teeth and claws clipped. She smiled at the group and left the room. The nurse immediately called the woman in for the de-worming treatment. That left Solomon, Yuugi and Atemu alone.

"Do you think they'll be okay Atemu?" came Yuugi's soft voice. Atemu looked at Yuugi who had once again a downcast look on his face. He reached over and gave Yuugi a hug, his hand rubbing Yuugi's back soothingly. "Yuugi, trust yourself. They'll be fine. We're all together in this." Yuugi didn't look convinced. He looked up when a door opened. The elderly lady was shaking the vet's hand, thanking her for her help. The little dog at her feet looked happy enough. Then the lady left and the door closed again.

A few minutes later the vet came out and called them in. She reached out a hand, shaking each in turn before beckoning them all inside. She was slim, of medium height and had straight brown hair. "Hello, I'm Dr. Burke." She smiled and the men all liked her at once. Yuugi was immediately reassured and followed her inside the examination room. It was a light blue color with a white floor and ceiling. The walls were adorned with posters of animal anatomy and treatments. Her doctorate was hanging on the wall next to a nice photo of her and a white cat.

"So who's the patient?" she asked. Yuugi stepped forward and placed the box on the stainless steel table. The vet put on some latex gloves and looked inside. She saw the sleeping infants and looked at Solomon. "Can you tell me anything about them?"

Solomon nodded and handed her the red card. She read it quickly and Yuugi spoke up. "At four today, someone left them on our doorstep, we came straight away." He looked at Atemu who squeezed his shoulder in a supportive manner.

"Hmm, well. This card explains a lot. They look well cared for and they had their mother's milk for the first two days which is very good. I take it; you three want to raise them?" The three all nodded and said yes. "Do any of you know how to look after kittens?" she noticed the apologetic looks. They all murmured no.

"Okay, no biggie. You three are now surrogate mothers for these four. If you make a time plan, it should be no problem. Now kittens this young can't do anything alone. They need help to eat, wash, to stay warm and to evacuate their bowels. It's a tough job." She went to the second door and spoke quickly to the nurse. Then she returned and began gathering a few supplies. A minute later the nurse came in and looked expectantly at the vet.

"Alright, everyone gather around. We're going to wake these little guys up and have a look at them. Then Sarah can show you how to feed them and look after them." She proceeded to gently running a finger along the first kittens back. It moved its tiny paw. She rubbed it again. It let out a big yawn and everyone went "aw".

When they were all moving and squealing she took them one by one to the weighing scales. She made notes for each kitten and found two males and two females. She checked their mouths and ears for discoloration and ear mites. Then she checked for fleas and worms. She was generally happy with their temperature, which she explained they couldn't regulate until they were three weeks old. She checked their skin and reflexes for dehydration by taking a piece of skin between her fingers and watching it return to its original position.

Atemu watched with fascination. He loved animals and cared deeply for these kittens welfare. Yuugi was very protective of them and Solomon could only smile in amusement at both of them. When the vet was reasonably happy with the kittens, she took their information from Solomon and passed them onto the care of Sarah.

Sarah took a kitten and motioned that Atemu, Yuugi and Solomon all take one each. They did and followed her into the other room. She cradled her kitten and the vet laid the supplies on the table and left wishing them all luck. Sarah opened the bag and pulled out small rough cloths. She explained to them how to clean the kittens and to help them to do their business before and after feeds. She gave them little bottles filled with a special milk powder for kittens of their age. They burped the kittens and laid them back in the box. Then she asked them a few questions.

"So, are you very sure about this? It is a big job, and you'll have to do all this every two to three hours."

Solomon spoke. "I feel certain that we will be able to handle this. I don't think there has ever been anything we haven't been able to achieve as a family and this time will be no different. They are part of the family now and we'll work out a shift to take care of them. Their friends can help out as well." Yuugi and Atemu agreed instantly. The nurse looked satisfied.

"Well there are a number of items you will need that we can give you. If you don't want to use a cardboard box, you can use a pet carrier for a dog. It'll keep the light off them when their eyes open. You can also change the bedding easily. Then there are bottles and formula, cloths and heating pads. We have everything in the shop at the front. Oh, and don't forget to give them names!" She smiled and gave them the vet's emergency number on a card. Solomon put it inside his wallet and proceeded to the shop with the nurse.

Yuugi watched the kittens sleep again. "Atemu?"

"Yes, my light." He answered. He wrapped an arm around Yuugi, looking down at the creamy bundle.

"Do you think we can do this, I mean, she said it's a big job."

"Yuugi, my hikari. Please don't worry" he looked into Yuugi eyes. They were so beautiful, shining with warmth and life. Yuugi in turn was mesmerized by the elegantly slanted crimson eyes of his dark. Nothing in the world was more beautiful to Yuugi.

Atemu continued looking at Yuugi as he spoke. "I believe you can do this. You put so much faith in others and so little faith in yourself. Yuugi, this person chose you, because they believed you would protect them better than anyone else. Now, I know it was a hasty decision to drop them of like that, but maybe this person was young, or under stress. Who knows? But I know you will do everything in your power to help these kittens. Look into my eyes and tell me I'm wrong." Yuugi smiled and rested his head against Atemu's chest.

"If I did that Atemu, then I'd be a liar. You know me so well." Atemu chuckled. At least his little one was smiling again. He really didn't know how much people admired him for his abilities to always do the right thing and for his innocence and kindness. He truly was a beautiful light. Atemu had never been more proud of him.

"So what should we name them, Atemu?" asked Yuugi, his eyes travelling over the kittens sleeping forms. Atemu's beautiful eyebrows creased in thought. Yuugi continued.

"I definitely don't want some common stupid pet names; these kittens are special. The least they deserve are beautiful names." Atemu couldn't have agreed more. He let his fingertips caress Yuugi's hand.

"I agree. You truly are something spectacular, my light." Before Yuugi could ask what he meant, he added, "I think it is unwise to give someone a name when you don't know them. When we see their true personalities, naming them will be simple yet honest."

Yuugi was once again surprised at the wisdom that Atemu displayed. It did make sense. But there was another problem.

"Atemu, how do we tell them apart?" The kittens were all roughly the same color and size, but they all had minute differences. At that moment the nurse returned with Solomon. She answered Yuugi's question.

"You could put kitten armbands on them, with different colors. That would tell them easily apart. So any names yet?" Yuugi shook his head, looking at all the items Solomon had purchased.

"We're waiting. When we get to know them all better, we will be able to choose appropriate names for them" answered Atemu. The nurse looked down at the sleeping babies and smiled. It looked to her as though these were the luckiest kittens she had ever seen.

"In that case, I wish you three the best of luck with these kittens. You'll do a great job and we'll be here if you need anything, so don't hesitate to call. I've really never met kittens so fortunate, well, orphaned kittens I mean."

Yuugi smiled happily at the praise and a new wave of confidence washed over him. He could do this; after all, he had Atemu and his grandpa. Solomon shook hands with the nurse and Atemu followed suit. Yuugi picked up the box with the kittens and made sure they were warm. He then thanked the nurse for her time and help and then followed Atemu and his grandpa back to the car. He caught Atemu eyes in the car mirror and smiled. This was only the beginning!


Thanks for the support and all the lovely comments.

Heidlebergchick